"Strike a pose of your choice," said Claire Marshall, as she stood in front of a group of dancers who were eager to learn a special routine from one of the most popular musicals on the contemporary stage today.
The setting was the 99th floor Skydeck of The Willis Tower in Chicago and dancers learned choreography from the production "Chicago The Musical," which is running through May 10 at The Auditorium in Chicago. Marshall plays popular character Velma in the show.
This dance workshop was open to dance fans from the general public and they signed up via Broadway in Chicago's website.
No experience was necessary and workshop participants had all levels of experience. Marshall made everyone comfortable as she had a welcoming and relaxed teaching style.
Students learned energetic moves from the musical's hit song "All That Jazz" as they looked out over the Chicago buildings and the lake from the floor to ceiling windows.
Marshall taught students the Fosse style of movent from the show, including jazz hands, hip rolls, stylized poses, and more. Students then split into two groups and had the opportunity to put all the moves together by performing a completed dance.
Students are pictured in a recent dance workshop at Willis Tower in Chicago. Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
Workshop participant Taylor Watterson, of Chicago, said she learned about the opportunity from a friend and colleague who sent her an email about it.
"This was really a lot of fun. And the choreography is so iconic," Watterson said. She added it had been awhile since she took a dance class. Watterson, who is a faculty member at UIC, said although it was an enjoyable experience, it was also a bit challenging at times. She said being able to pull the moves off is "all in the attitude."
Also participating in the class was ABC 7 Chicago meteorologist Cheryl Scott, who said she joined the group just for fun, adding she's enjoyed the art of dance throughout her life.
Students strike a pose while learning a routine from "All That Jazz." Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
"I was honored to be here to teach this workshop," said Marshall. The actor/dancer, who calls Los Angeles home, said it's a joy bringing the show to the city of Chicago. The Chicago engagement is the second to the last stop of "Chicago The Musical" prior to the tour's end on May 17.
Marshall said much of her own dance performance in the production requires her to do "a lot of specific things," movement wise, such as chair dancing and maneuvering while on a ladder. Often very tricky things, but Marshall executes them perfectly.
To learn more about "Chicago The Musical," visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
"Chicago The Musical" runs to May 10 at The Auditorium in Chicago. Photo by Jeremy Daniel